Occupation: I am a fourth grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Family: My husband teaches and writes science curriculum through his business, ReConnect24, LLC, and coaches volleyball. I have a son, Thaddeus, who is a senior at Newtown High School. He plays and helps coach volleyball, and is a volunteer educator at the Beardsley Zoo. My daughter, Zosia, is a sophomore who also plays volleyball, runs track, and is a beekeeper.

Pets: I have two dogs, Scout and Patch, and a fish named Chubs who I recently donated to my mother-in-law. I also tend to some beehives. I have three in my yard and my kids take care of the hives at the Victory Garden in town, as well as the one they installed at the Beardsley Zoo.

How long have you lived in Newtown? I have been here for 22 years. I can’t believe it’s been that long! We love living in a place where you can enjoy nature, have cows living across the street, horses walking by your front door, but can still find arts and culture.

What do you like to do in your free time? I don’t really have much free time but when I do, I love watching my kids play volleyball. They play doubles in the summer, and they both play on the high school teams. Pre-COVID, I loved to travel and hope to do so again.

What is your favorite book? That’s a tough one. There are so many great books out there. Recently, I have been trying to read the books read by the children in my classroom, so that I can recommend them to my students. Those are my most recent reads. Some of the ones I have really enjoyed are Fish in a Tree, Out of My Mind, and Hatchet.

What is your favorite travel destination? I love to travel and see how other people live, but I would have to say England is one of my favorites. It may have to do with the fact that my husband’s aunt and uncle live there. They are two of my favorite people.

What is the best part about Newtown? I think the landscape views in Newtown are amazing, especially in the fall.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? I mostly help my daughter with the Victory Garden beehives. I am also part of the Sandy Hook PTA and leader of BSA Scouts Troop 970.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My parents. They have always been there for me, guiding me through all the challenges life throws at me.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? Maybe Neil Degrasse Tyson. I have always enjoyed learning science from him.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I like so many types of music. I don’t know if I have a favorite artist. My mood determines my music.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? No matter how talented you are, your talent will fail you if you’re not skilled. Skill is achieved through practice. Work hard and dedicate yourself to being better everyday.

What is something you cannot live without? Mountain Dew soda! Well, Mountain Dew and family. Family is very important to me. I have a big family, and I love being around them all! They are my support system.

What is your proudest accomplishment? My kids. They have both grown up to be kind, generous young adults and they make me proud almost every day.